I’ve got to stop going to the Lodge. Ever since Thanksgiving, when we set the Christmas deadline to be finished with this crazy-arse project, I’ve been making more daily trips to the Lodge than I ever have; some days my kids and I will drive up there eight times or so. I can’t help it—I love the smell of paint fumes—it makes me feel so funky inside—and besides that, I want to be available in case any little questions come up for which Jerry needs a quick answer.

The problem is, when you look in on a project eight times a day, it can quickly start to look like nothing’s getting done. I guess I keep imagining that “this is the time—this time I’m going to walk through the door and the Lodge is going to be all finished.” When really, all I see are baby steps.

But the baby steps are fun, too.

Today they stained the mantle on both sides of the fireplace, which was one of the first things we tackled back in February, and boy howdy, does that seem like a long time ago. We distressed and stained the wood to match the ceiling and beams throughout the Lodge, but put a black glaze over the top so it would bring out the grain and distressing a little bit.

Or something like that.

Here’s one of the distressed and finished bathroom vanities. I really had the dudes beat the heck out of ‘em. At first I thought it was a little much, but then I realized how glaringly imperfect I am and I felt right at home.

Laundry room cabinets. Again, I asked the finishers to please take out all their aggressions of life on the cabinets, thank you very much, and I’d say they did the trick.

I like distressed things. I don’t know why.

Here’s the beaded board in the Mud Room. We’re putting big hooks all along the top board of the bead board and hanging all manner of chaps and Carharrt coats on them so our future guests will be able to play dress-up.

Here’s the track lighting. Right above the ceiling is thick styrofoam insulation that’s been there since the 1960′s, I think, so track lighting was pretty much our only option. We considered hanging the track on the beams themselves, but thought that might look a little cluttery.

These are little cabinets we had made for the “closets” in each of the bedrooms. They really aren’t closets at all—just a little area outside the bathroom for shoes and clothes. No door. Simple.

We put concrete countertops on these small cabinets against the rock wall, and per your (overwhelming) instructions, I had them glaze the tops so it would darken the color of the concrete.

You guys are smart. I was going to leave the concrete naked and light-colored, but I’m so glad I went this way.

Here’s Cowboy Josh. He lives about a hundred feet from the Lodge, so he comes up to check on things even more than I do.

And here’s…THE AREA. I’ve been reading through your suggestions regarding the hood, the wall, etc. Let me answer a few questions first:

The windows. They’re there to let in light from the other side of the pantry, and to break up what we thought would be an awfully tall wall in the middle of the house. We’ve played with just putting plain glass in the windows, or even dark bronze window frames. Or lining the opening with wood all the way around.

The tile. Sometimes I want to take it all the way up. Sometimes I think that’ll be too much tile. Sometimes I want to paint the wall to match the tile, and leave the hood as is. Sometimes I want to dance naked in our north pasture and sing “I Enjoy Being a Girl!”

But I don’t.

The wood band at the bottom of the hood. The natural thing would be to stain it the color of either the kitchen cabinets or the ceiling beams. But I wonder if doing something lighter might be better; that way, the hood might blend more? I’m reading through your suggestions with great interest.

The refrigerators. The matching cabinet panels will be in by Thursday, which should make it a lot easier to discern what needs to be done.

Susan On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:45 am

…I think the tile should go all the way up the wall and the bottom wood of the hood vent should be stained the same color as the other wood. I think that band being centered would look very nice among the other dark wood.

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Jenny Hunt On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:50 am

Something’s definitely funky – very helpful, right? I think you should definitely do something to the windows. They are there and they are not going to blend in, so make them stand out with some architechtural detail. Just my opinion, but I think you should finish the hood “band” the same as the cabinets. I wish you’d never mentioned the “face!” Now I can’t stop seeing it. Everything is so beautiful. Love it! Hang in there – you’re almost there!

Kerri On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:14 am

Can you use photoshop to play around with the band on the hood? You can even fill in the panels on the fridges and get a good idea of what it will look like.

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Sandee On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:18 am

You have my sympathy. My husband and I have built two homes by ourselves. At the very end of each I could not make one more decision. Don’t tile up any further. Don’t close in the window openings you want the warm air to circulate. You could just add some mullions (those wooden strips that create the tic tac toe pattern in the window) to add visual interest. I had a similar problem with a range hood and the wooden band at the bottom. I decided to insert decorative tiles in the band. I can send you a picture.

Have you considered putting stained glass in the windows above the refrigerators? I’m thinking something simple, with a sort of Arts and Crafts flavor.

Also, I heard a rumor that you might be related to someone I go to church with. Any ties to Ada, Oklahoma?

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Pam K On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:23 am

I like the windows but do think putting wood all the way around them would look a little better. Any way to put it up on a trial basis (not actually attach it) to get a look at it? Also, I really think the hood needs some umph (is that a word). I think the wood needs something (not sure as dark as the rest of the cabinets though). Also, the hood needs to be different than the wall – doncha think? Maybe you could try the glazing (faux finish) there and see if you like it. It is a small enough space – it could be redone quickly. Sorry – just saying something needs to happen but not given any concrete examples doesn’t help much.

I would go with plain glass in the windows. That will help with smells and sounds crossing over from one to the other. No stained glass, you don’t want all those conflicts.

The band on the hood should be lighter, how much? I have no idea.

I like both ideas for the tile. I am thinking probably go all the way to the top since you are already so close but that is REALLY going to make the hood stand out.

Oy. Good luck. You are doing a great job!

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bonnie On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:27 am

hood fan: lighter.

Tile: leave it as is. Going all the way up wouldn’t be a good choice. It might look too “industrial cafeteria”

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Lori LaBarre On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:28 am

I have figured it out! I know what you’re going to do with this newly-refurbished Lodge. You’re going to open it up to guests like a Bed and Breakfast, only it will be for the cattle ranch experience…kinda like ‘City Slickers’! Am I right? If so, do I win a trip down from Minnesota to try it out myself with my husband and three children? You would love us and we’d be really nice guests. Promise.

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Katie K On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:36 am

I definitely agree with those wood hood people out there. The hood needs to be stained and distressed to tie in with everything else. Right now it’s just a pale nose in the kitchen. The tile should stay where it is. The windows at the top should have wood trim to tie them into the room. I think glass etching for the window on the side of the kitchen would be nice, not up top.

The bead board in laundry room could have your brand’s stamped along the top where the hooks will be. That would tie in the whole ranch garb effect. Will this be a dude ranch? The whole “dress up” comment threw me.

Will Jerry leave one of his awesome ladders for you when you have to change a bulb in the track lighting? Way to high for me to feel comfortable…………but I KNOW it will look awesome.

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Robin On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:42 am

I’ll try again, and try to cut down on how much I hate the white tile. But I’m sorry, I hate it, hate it, hate it. The white, patent-leather shininess of is just clashes so comletely with the organic, earthy, warm, comforting, antiquey-distressed, country look you’ve worked so hard to effect (and accomplished beautifully, I think) throughout the house. To me, it just sticks out like a sore thumb.

That said, I do love everything else. I would have gone with a stone or tile that matches/complements backsplash there, and then the wood on the hood could have been stained to the same shade as the cabinets and been all in sync. As it is, nothing, in my mind, as long as that tile that’s from an entirely different decorating theme/concept/style remains, that you do with that hood is going to do anything to make that whole wall work. It’s just going to look funky and “off” from the flow of the entire rest of the house.

I love the laundry room. Love the concrete, especially love it glazed. Love the laundry room cabinetry maybe the most. Gorgeous. All of it. But for that god-awful tile. ::shudders::; Tear it down!!! lol.

Winker On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:03 pm

Is the wall space above the hood functional? If not, an option is to wall up those windows half way, shorten the hood, and put a third window in the middle right above the hood. Then tile all the way up the wall and paint the hood the same color as the tiles. The shiny texture of the tiles will make them seem like a lighter shade, so no actual difference in color is needed to make the hood stand on it’s own.

As for the rim… I agree, mess around with it on photoshop and see what you like. Good luck!!!

First- Antique-y bronze frames on the windows would look nice and, well, antique-y. And it always seems that there’s some element in farm houses that remains well-cared for and non-beaten up, and that the old farm wife would proudly look upon and declare what a lucky woman she was to have these small bits of beauty and luxury in her life. At least that’s how it plays out in the drama in my head. So I would imagine that a high up window wouldn’t get as beat-up as, say, the mud room, or cabinets, or tables, etc. So choose a nice material, but definitely antique the crap out of it so that it looks the same age as everything else in the house.

Second- I would leave the tile and paint as is. I think it looks like it should- the tile is the right height, the paint color matches everything else, etc. I imagine tile in a farm house to be practical more than decorative (even though we know that at this point, it’s actually both), and practicality says that you don’t need to take the tile higher than a feasible “splash height” from the range top. Plus, continuing the paint color that you find in the rest of the kitchen keeps the look unified. But, if you want that wall to really stand out, then by all means, go crazy with the color. But it seems as though you’re looking for ways to keep the look continuous throughout the house, and “focal walls” don’t scream ranch house to me.

Third- Stain the wood on the exhaust hood the same color as the cabinets. If you match to the ceiling, then you are visually bringing the ceiling down, which does create a cozier feel, but I think it would feel odd to look up at a high wall with airy windows and be made to feel cozy and low-ceilinged at the same time.

Rhonda On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:16 pm

Everything looks fabulous. Can’t wait to come visit. I can’t get used to the windows in the kitchen…I realize they’re there to let the light pass through, but I’d love to see that wall without windows, and tiled all the way to the top. No punk is gonna want to climb a ladder and clean those windows…or maybe one would?

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patricia On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:17 pm

Ree everything is looking Fabulous, that is a nice looking lodge. Hugs!!!!

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Susan On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:35 pm

I would keep the wall color and the wall tile as they are, and I would tile the wooden band on the hood with a tile that complements your subway tiles. I think this would visually shorten the hood and reduce the nose effect.

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Jennifer On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:49 pm

It looks like it’s coming right along. I think the wood around the hood should be stained to match the ceiling and cabinets, I think it will just stand out too much and not fit in if you don’t!

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Perstephanie On Wednesday, December 17 at 12:54 pm

Wow! it’s really coming together. i can hardly wait to see the finished Lodge. *pops popcorn, pulls up a chair & waits*

Stain the wood band to match the cabinets. The mantle looks great stained to match the ceiling so I would keep that trend through to the kitchen. And Ree, I can picture you on the food network in that amazing kitchen now!

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Nancy On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 pm

I’d stained the wood trimming the hood the same color as the cabinets. That’s just my opinion, out of hundreds more……The whole place looks AWESOME…FYI

OK, I posted my final final final version of your lodge “area” on my blog. Come check it out.

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Lynn On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:04 pm

When saying tile all the way up, I mean only to the bottom of the windows. I just like the way the tile finishes off nicely in your inspiration picture. What ever you do this is going to be wonderful. I can’t wait to see it all furnished! And can we have a shot of all the cowboys lined up at that counter when you are done? God has surely blessed you and thank you for the way you bless us with your stories, recipes and photos. You really know how to use the gifts He has given you. Big Hug.
Lynn

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DJ On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:10 pm

After all your efforts, is your plan to relocate the kids to the Lodge, so that you and MM can have a nice quiet house to yourselves?

And another thing if you’re keeping the hood (boy, you’d think I didn’t have anything else to do other than complicate the design process of someone else’s remodel project!) When thinking about the hood, remember the properties of light vs. dark areas. I guess it depends on how much you want to emphasize the hood.

Dark is heavy, and recedes. Whiter tones are light feeling, and expand. Adding dark elements around the hood (pillars, dark fridges, counters) makes the depth of those areas seem more shallow. Place that next to a lighter area – especially one that is a different color (the hood), and it will expand and emphasize the hood. So, the ‘nose’ may end up looking MORE prominent if you keep it light but a different color than the tiles, and darkening the areas around it.

A darker band at the bottom, while going away from the original look you were going for, may ‘tie down’ the hood and keep it from feeling like it sticks out. I’d try wrapping the rim in the same metal as the range beneath it, and painting the rest of it to match the tiles around it. Painting it to match will make the kitchen have one less element to try to properly balance (color).

Hang in there, one way or another, the lodge will be done soon. And you can always change things later if you want too.

Sorry to hear about the limitations in lighting, btw.

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Erica On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:20 pm

I love it all!! Though I can not visualize the floor plan – can you draw us a diagram of the layout! Oh, and where is all the plumbing for your bathroom sinks? I was trying to explain to my husband what you had done and he couldn’t understand where it all the pipes were.

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Leasa On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:27 pm

Okay, this comment is too late in the process, but I think I would have shortened the range hood, down to near where the bottom of the windows are, but not quite to the bottom. Then, instead of two windows I would have had one long rectangular opening along the entire wall. This would give a nice clerestory type opening, without having the windows and hood look like a face.

I defintely wouldn’t take the tile up the wall any further, I think it looks good the way it is.

The finish on the range hood wood bottom, that’s a difficult one. I think I would want it to blend into it’s surroundings rather than stick out. so perhaps a simple faux finish/glaze using the same/similar paint as on the walls. It would be different, but not glaringly so.

Loving the wall color, good thought to cut it with white.

REALLY love the vanities in the bathrooms. Looks like a different paint color in the bathrooms. Are all the bathrooms this darker color? It is nice.

Very much enjoying watching the progress, very fun, thanks for sharing!

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Christy On Wednesday, December 17 at 1:50 pm

I really like pretty much everything in the whole dang place! As far as the windows above…maybe try and add a little bit of something up there…maybe color (stained glass), texture (leaded or etched glass) or maybe put transom-type windows up there but I do think that it needs something so that it doesn’t look like you either couldn’t decide or just forgot about them! I think the hood may need to wait until the panels get added to the fridges…I think that will change the whole look of the kitchen and help with the decision on which way to go with the hood. Either way, painted or stained wood, I would use the wood border on the bottom as a way to personalze the kitchen and basically the house. I know that you won’t be living in it per se, but the lodge will be a representation of you and your family for others so I would put something like your ranch’s brand into the wood or have a saying, motto, mantra…whatever painted on it. Something to say…”Hey, this is a place where I want you to relax and have fun…this is my gift to you while you are here” Yes, I know that I am probably overthinking this but that’s what I do!!!

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KD in SC On Wednesday, December 17 at 2:12 pm

Did you decide if you are publishing a calendar? Just wondering. It’s not like you are sitting around doing nothing but I wanted to ask in case……

I think that distressing and staining the band at the bottom of the hood would really make the subway tiles, “pop”. And it would be more of a “focal” point than the total hood itself. I think it would kinda push the upper portion into the background.

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Shannon On Wednesday, December 17 at 2:32 pm

Ree,
I would not stain the wood on the hood. I would refer back to your inspiration kitchen. Do something that blends in but stands out through texture. I know it is a lodge but I would not want to go overboard with the stained wood.

windows: If you put glass in there you will have to clean it. I would go with wood all around so it looks like a window and not a pass-through for giants.
tile: Don’t go higher. It looks good.
wood on da hood: stain same as the cabinets or do something lighter (maybe a distressed copper or other metal) so you don’t loose the height of the ceiling. I think anything darker will “pull down” the high center of the room visually.
Great progress – when can I come visit???

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Carol B On Wednesday, December 17 at 2:40 pm

Ree, one of the best ideas here is to RE-DESIGN THE SHAPE OF THE WINDOWS, making them four vertical windows. It’s the shape in the original photograph and it repeats the shape of the refrigerators, which will be a strong element because they’re dark, PLUS it will reduce the effect of a face on the wall.

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Pearle On Wednesday, December 17 at 2:48 pm

The lodge is looking beautiful!

A question for you: What are you going to do with this beautiful new and improved lodge? Will you be opening it up for families to come and check out a working cattle ranch? A bed and breakfast sort of place, maybe?

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Stephanie S On Wednesday, December 17 at 2:48 pm

The windows. — Don’t line them with wood. Too heavy esp. since the side walls are dark now. Dark broonze would not be bad. Plain glass or empty for now owuld be great.

The tile. — First, do dance naked. Second, paint the walls similar color.

The wood band at the bottom of the hood. — If you stain it, stain it lighter. I t might be weird all dark in the middle of the cool tile.

Looking great!!! It will be done soon!!

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Annie S. On Wednesday, December 17 at 3:59 pm

If I have learned anything reading your blog it is the girl can do some cooking! I am in love with the lodge. My only input on what to do would be to make sure the surfaces on that cooking wall are easy to wipe down. You probably thought of that though. It looks awesome!!!

I’m not a fan of the windows, I think it’s mostly the shape though. If they were more horizontally rectangular???

If the windows are staying then I would take the tile all the way up, I wouldn’t put glass in them nor line them with wood but let them “disappear” If they weren’t there I would put a large wood band across and incorporate the hood somehow..
In it’s present configuration the hood should stay all the same colour, pickle the wood band.

I’ve lived through one kitchen reno and will be doing another next year. It’s one of the hardest things to do.

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Jill On Wednesday, December 17 at 4:26 pm

I think definitely stain the wood on the hood – it’s a beautiful, and engaging, not everyone has a big giant hood in their kithen- it’s just magnificent….it deserves to stand out and be noticed!!!

Whatever you decide will be great, everything else looks beautiful.

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Heidi On Wednesday, December 17 at 5:03 pm

I keep thinking the tile should go up to the bottom of the windows. It seems like a more natural stopping point than using those two tiny side walls as a stopping point, and all the way up the wall is just too too much. Lining the openings with wood will look exquisite.

The wood on the hood definitely needs to be stained. If you want it to seem more like part of the *kitchen,* it should be the cabinet color; if you want it to seem more like part of the *house,* it should be the beam/ceiling color. I lean toward beam/ceiling color but it’s hard to say without being there. Using the cabinet color will give the the impression of it being lower, too, I think, because the cabinets are closer to it. If the refrigerators are going to have cabinet-colored panels on them, I would definitely go with the beam/ceiling color to break up that expanse of cabinet-looking stuff on that side of the room.

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ginny On Wednesday, December 17 at 5:31 pm

Wow! I am totally loving this place. I fell in love with it way back when the deck was THE project, but it’s just getting better. What you’ve done in the kitchen with those posts is great–I was in favor of sheetrock, but I love the wood. The windows? Definitely glass or something. I love the idea of stained glass. The hood? You probably won’t like this, but I would go with wood again. The same color as the cabinets. But I might change my mind once the refrigerator panels have been installed! And not tile all the way up–too much. Oops! I wasn’t going to write a letter!

Robin On Wednesday, December 17 at 5:46 pm

Great kitchen….great lodge! If it were my kitchen I would take the subway tile clean up to the top (and above the refrigerators side walls) and treat that whole cooking/cooling area like an alcove. Right now the start and stop lines are kind of jangling to the eye. Plus, if you paint up there, obviously, one day y’all will need to repaint. And repainting that high and taping off tiles will be a nuisance. Particularly when you are tired from cleaning cooking grease and smoke and dust off the paint first. So tile it up, use a sponge on a long, telescoping handle to clean the tile and it’s restful on the eyes too.

As for the wood trim on the hood. I think once the wood doors are on the refrigerators it will need to be the same color in order to anchor it and the whole design. Why don’t you take the photo into Paint Shop and try to clone the wooden cabinet color and put it on the range hood trim to see how you like the difference?

I expect when visitors come to the lodge you may need formal proceedings to evict them….great place!

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Barbara in Texas On Wednesday, December 17 at 5:49 pm

It looks fabulous!

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Kara On Wednesday, December 17 at 6:16 pm

As if you don’t have enough things to do already, but… I would love to see photos of the office/computer area. I remember seeing it way back when — when you were trying to figure out desks, outlets, etc. — but would love an update. But only if you feel like it.

I’m glad you sealed the cement countertops. I like your idea about going all the way up with the tile – I think it would be stunning. A cheaper way would be to go with a matching white which I like too but not as much. Stain the wooden band the color of the cabinets. Can’t wait to see your finished project.

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Kara On Wednesday, December 17 at 6:21 pm

Oh! I really like #237′s idea for the hood. It would look great distressed and stained to match the cabinets – with your brand emblazoned in the center. Awesome idea!

What a beautiful place for an extended family Christmas. You ARE doing Christmas there right? I mean you CAN’T let it sit empty and allow those walls to cry out in loneliness. That simply would not be right.

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Kara On Wednesday, December 17 at 6:28 pm

Alrighty, final comment for tonight. (It’s final exam time and I’m procrastinating – can you tell?) In re the tile, I think you should choose between taking it all the way up or leaving the wall color as is. I would not paint the wall to match the tile. I think that would: (a) be one too many things going on in an area that’s already the center of attention, and (b) detract from the beauty of the tiles themselves. They make such an impact when contrasted with the other pieces of that wall, but the effect would seem somewhat dulled if they were next to a wall the exact same color but missing the visual interest.

Can’t decide whether to take it all the way up or not, but either way, be bold and let the tiles stand on their own!

carolyn On Wednesday, December 17 at 7:28 pm

I have a question…it looks like you still have to stain the floors. If so, are the floors just stained around the cabinets?

It is interesting to watch the progress!

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eg from ma On Wednesday, December 17 at 7:33 pm

ree
i am sooo excited with the approaching lodge finish by christmas! if i start packing now i can be there by then. which one of the 4 bedrooms is mine? how about maid service, entertainment, room service and laundry??? no? cancel snow and strong winds please! no? i’m comin anyway!

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CA On Wednesday, December 17 at 8:10 pm

Hi Ree,

It is looking AWESOME. I think you should take the tile all the way up. I’m glad you took my (ok, and everyone else’s) advice on the concrete, it looks GREAT.

I vote for the tile all the way up for a clean look, stain the strip on the hood to match the cabinets and stained glass with scenes from the prairie for the windows with copper frames. It is beautiful and you have done a great job.

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livinonthecrowrock On Wednesday, December 17 at 8:53 pm

Honestly, Ree- I think the band at the bottom of the hood should be as inobtrusive as possible- like blending in with the tile, hood color, etc. Tone on tone- whitewash it? I dunno. It’s hard to say when one isn’t on premises, if you know what I mean…

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livinonthecrowrock On Wednesday, December 17 at 8:54 pm

PS- take the tile to the bottom of the windows- a good break.

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sharon in Ca On Wednesday, December 17 at 9:08 pm

I think the tile looks good. I wouldn’t take it all the way up. I still think tile on the band at the bottom of the hood would be nice. Maybe a shade or 2 darker than the wall color.
I would leave the windows open and framed in wood.
Josh looks good!
The concrete counters are better than I thought..I like it.
Everything is lookin’ awesome!

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emma in Ft. Worth On Wednesday, December 17 at 9:23 pm

Love the fireplace, love the mudroom – I wear a Small Carhart… 7 days left if they work through church on Sunday Jerry can do it!!!

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Sandra in Phx On Wednesday, December 17 at 9:53 pm

I think that the wood band needs to be lighter, otherwise it will stick out like crazy. And I think taking the tile all the way to the ceiling might be too much…although I will say that I have gone back and forth about that. You know, like somehow it is my decision! ROFLOL!!!

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CarolQ On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:04 pm

Ree, girlfriend, You.Do. NOT. Want. Glass. Windows between the pantry and the kitchen. You know how the grease even hits the TOP of the range hood? (Even when it’s on?) I cannot see you or your live-in maid (LOL) cleaning them every two or three weeks.

I agree with others about the wood band on the range hood should be lighter. But if you don’t like it *light* you ccan always stain it dark. BUT, it’s harder to go the other way (from dark to light).

Tile? No comment from me. . . you know whatever you do is just fine with me. (UNlike windows in kitchens)

I would say leave the windows open (no glass) but aside from that I’m a bit too in awe to comment. Just tell me you’ll be willing to bed-and-breakfast the Lodge out from time to time and I’ll be happy.

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Crystal K On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:15 pm

Paint the wall and range hood the same white as the tile. I don’t really have an opinion on the wood band on the hood just make it washable. All those greasy cowboy dinners will be hard to wash off if its all raw woodsy or rough. Know what I mean?
It is looking wonderful by the way!

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CarolQ On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:17 pm

#236: Ree cannot have a window that goes all the way across. Remember there is a HOOD in the way and it sucks out the smoky air (not that Ree ever burns any thing). Ya gotta have the hood vent go somewhere.

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Alice On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:21 pm

About the wood band on the hood, why don’t you just stain it for now; you can always paint it later if you change your mind….it’d be harder to go back to natural wood though once it’s painted. Me, I love the look of natural wood. And I’m married to a carpenter so wood is his passion, and I always lean towards unpainted wood because it gets him SO excited.

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Ann On Wednesday, December 17 at 10:49 pm

Jody On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:04 pm

After much consideration I really think you should…
TILE all the way up .. there is way too much going on and too many lines and shapes breaking up the space…. continuing the tile will make for a much cleaner and less cluttered look, more like your inspiration.
HOOD – Once the hood is surrounded by tile the current color will be just enough of a contrast to be the base color for a very subtle faux finish on the hood itself… (to keep it from looking just like your sheet rocked walls)… I strongly then recommend a relief design (think embossed) of a family crest or your ranch brand on the face of the hood… classy, very classy, this will help tie the look of the tile with your other more rustic features.
HOOD BAND… wrap in stainless (not copper) to match the range below… the metal will blend better with the ‘shiny’ tiles and not look like another horizontal stripe… if you must stain or paint, go light… but stainless is the way to go… the reflective quality would be perfect.
WINDOWS… do not frame in wood… do not do stained glass…again this would visually break up and clutter the area … Leave them open… or install leaded glass in a very simple design using clear, textured glass (think organic)… again the glass and lead will repeat the ‘shine’ of the tile and the metal tones of the range and range hood band, but not be too much…
PHOTO SHOP this and you will definitely see a remarkable improvement.
You all have done a terrific job on the Lodge… I hope you have a joyous Christmas.

Sorry… I cannot look at that kitchen without seeing a totem face looking back at me. Makes me giggle. And it’s not the chardonnay – it’s only 3 in the afternoon!!! What kinda girl do you think I am?? Pah-lease!!

So basically, I think you need to just tone down whatever makes it look more like a face. Or not. Giggles could be the go. Jeez, I am helpful, no??

Love the little nooks for drawers and the distressing. I am a big believer in distressing. And you can take that however you like!
BB

281

karina On Wednesday, December 17 at 11:17 pm

I still think that stained glass with a very simple design would look nice or a very muted colored glass that combined the bone color of the tiles and the buttery color of the walls would let in light but not take attention away from the other beautiful elements of the area.
the band of wood on the hood I would do a high gloss bone color to go with the tile. Also, I would consider painting the wall above the tile the same color of the tile instead of extending the tile upwards, which would be a royal pain around all the woodwork etc. thank for the fun!

282

Noonda On Thursday, December 18 at 12:25 am

I agree with those who say to put stained glass in the two window areas above the tiled area!! If you can’t do it right away, cause it can be pricey and sometimes it can take awhile to find panes that fit, PLEASE consider it for the future! It would so make your place look, EEP, dare I say, like a comforting watering whole. Which is quite fitting really considering it’s the kitchen area. Plus, somehow stained glass seems to equally replace the antlers in that fancy catalogue photo of yours it you touch it off nicely with a good chunky yet airy & delicately-colored stained glass windows. P.S. I SO wish we were for real friends cause I’d LOVE to come visit your Lodge, it’s so gorgemous!

283

Elizabeth On Thursday, December 18 at 7:26 am

I have no suggestions, I just wanted to say that I think it’s all beautiful. I love all of the wood and stone…so natural and relaxing!

That mud area is to DIE for…and the laundry room, I’m in heaven. We’re a city family here, and I can hardly contain all of the “stuff” coming in and out of the house everyday. Throw in a little laundry, and well, we spend a little time almost every morning playing the “have you seen my….” game.

I can only imagine all of your country “stuff.” You are so wise to plan such two great spaces.
Can I move in:)

Reenie Lou On Thursday, December 18 at 9:22 am

Sister Sue On Thursday, December 18 at 9:37 am

Our hood is like yours. We tiled where the wood is on your hood. We had a coordinating tile to our backsplash.
It’s looking great!

288

Amy in Idaho On Thursday, December 18 at 10:13 am

Hey P-Dub,

Make sure to have your electrician put an outlet under the counter in your bathrooms, and have your cabinet guys drop the back of a drawer so that you can have a hair dryer plugged in and kept in the drawer. Keeps it off the counter! Very handy!

289

Rachel On Thursday, December 18 at 11:31 am

Hey Ree,

Can I make a request? I realize that when you look at these pictures, it looks all cohesive and everything, but perhaps when this whole wackadoodle project of yours is finished, you could take a video tour of the entire house. Kind of like when you look at a resort online and they let you do a 360 tour of the hotel room, but instead you could just walk through the house room to room showing off everything so we see how it all fits together.

Just a thought. I think we’d all really enjoy it.

290

Angela On Thursday, December 18 at 11:41 am

I’d trim the “windows” out in wood- no glass unless it is some sort of decorative leaded or stained glass. Definitely stain the wood rim on the hood to match the cabinets…It looks unfinished otherwise. Also, I’d take the tile all the way up the wall..it seems to be at an awkward stopping point right now.

291

Angela On Thursday, December 18 at 11:47 am

I may have missed this, but what is the lodge going to be used for? Is anyone going to be living there? Just curious!Thanks!

Oooh I think glass with some leaded detailing would look awesome in the openings. Maybe to address the tile you could use another trim piece similar to the hood and cap it off so it gives it a definite ending. Loving it though. I am excited to see what you decide!

295

Dawn On Friday, December 19 at 10:16 pm

Alright, please don’t be offended but explain to me why you have all those nice high end appliances for a guest house but teeny, tiny closets? I just don’t understand.

296

Heather On Saturday, December 20 at 12:32 pm

You don’t dance naked or you don’t enjoy being a girl?
You should do both and also make the wood band match the cabinets.

297

Heather On Saturday, December 20 at 12:38 pm

What about a wood shelf under each of the windows? You could put some cute stuff up thurr.

298

Misti Hauger On Saturday, December 20 at 8:43 pm

I think you should go with the darker of the two ‘lighter’ stains. That way you get the light that you like but, also can tie a little darker color into the cracks and crevices to match the ceiling beams.

The lodge looks GREAT! Can I come live with you? I cook, do laundry and do dishes!

299

Laura On Sunday, December 21 at 5:21 pm

Wow. How many millions do you have?

300

Amy Bishop On Sunday, December 21 at 10:31 pm

Has there always been a womens face in the fireplace? I just saw it for the first time tonight.